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CVE-2020-10987: Critical Vulnerability in Tenda AC15 AC1900

CVE-2020-10987 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Tenda AC15 AC1900 routers. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary system commands, posing a significant risk to users. Immediate patching is recommended.

CRITICALKnown ExploitedCVSS 9.8 · Published July 13, 2020

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CVE-2020-10987 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability found in the Tenda AC15 AC1900 router firmware version 15.03.05.19. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands through the deviceName POST parameter of the goform/setUsbUnload endpoint. The CVSS score of 9.8 indicates the severity of this issue, categorizing it as critical due to its high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and control over the affected devices, which can lead to further exploitation of internal networks. Given the ease of exploitation, organizations using impacted devices must act promptly.

The vulnerability was published on July 13, 2020, and has been assigned to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog as of November 3, 2021. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

As of now, there is evidence that this vulnerability is actively exploited, making it imperative for organizations to remain vigilant and implement necessary mitigations.

Vulnerability Details

The goform/setUsbUnload endpoint of Tenda AC15 AC1900 version 15.03.05.19 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands via the deviceName POST parameter. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-78, which pertains to OS Command Injection.

This vulnerability presents a critical threat with a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a high likelihood of successful exploitation with low complexity and no required privileges.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper validation of user inputs in the goform/setUsbUnload endpoint. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious request containing a specially crafted deviceName parameter, which triggers the execution of arbitrary commands on the device.

The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity is low, allowing attackers to exploit this vulnerability remotely without any prior authentication or user interaction. This vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems due to its high impact.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The potential impact of CVE-2020-10987 on organizations is significant. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain complete control of the affected routers, potentially pivoting to internal networks and accessing sensitive data. The vulnerability's high CVSS score reflects its critical nature, necessitating immediate action from organizations to patch affected devices.

Organizations using Tenda AC15 AC1900 routers should assess their exposure and implement necessary mitigations without delay. The urgency for patching is critical, as failure to do so could result in unauthorized access and exploitation.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

Yes

Public PoC

Yes

Actively Exploited

Yes

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The vulnerable version is Tenda AC15 AC1900 firmware version 15.03.05.19. Organizations using this version should apply the necessary patches to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2020-10987.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions to remediate this vulnerability. For detailed guidance, refer to the vendor's advisory. Additional measures include implementing network controls and monitoring for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts.

For further insights on security testing, organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing to validate their defenses.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation, such as unusual POST requests or command execution attempts. Detecting behavioral anomalies can help identify potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2020-10987 highlights the importance of rigorous input validation in networked devices. This vulnerability reflects a broader trend of increasing risks associated with IoT devices, which often lack robust security measures. Organizations are urged to prioritize security assessments and consider adopting a penetration testing methodology to strengthen their defenses against such vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, organizations should remain vigilant and stay informed about emerging trends in vulnerability exploitation, as this can inform their security strategies. Adopting a proactive approach to vulnerability management will be crucial in mitigating risks associated with future threats.

For deeper insights into threat landscapes, professionals should explore resources on vulnerability management programs and API security testing best practices.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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